A few years ago Forbes magazine published an article about naming your dog and what the name reveals about your personality. According to the ASPCA, naming a dog is often geared toward what the owners want to see expressed. Here is a listing of the ten most popular dog names and what they say about Continue reading…

Have you ever wondered what is about tennis balls that even the most blasé dog cannot resist? The answer lies partly in their size. Tennis balls are small enough for most dogs to hold comfortably, and large enough so they don’t slip down their throats. More important, tennis balls have a soft spongy surface, perfect Continue reading…

In simple terms, a therapy dog is a dog trained to provide affection and TLC to people in a variety of settings – hospitals, schools, retirement homes, nursing homes, and hospices – among other institutions. The training of therapy dogs is more generalized and shorter in duration than the training of service dogs or emotional Continue reading…

As the mascot of Stand Up for Animals, an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit animal shelter in Westerly, Rhode Island, Miso is one lucky cat. A few years ago she was surrendered to the shelter. Being an independent thinker and diva of sorts, Miso let everyone know she didn’t enjoy life in the open sanctuary room or Continue reading…

The idea of a pet brag blog is now beyond catching on. It’s a hit! Pet parents are eagerly sharing their stories – each so tender and unique. What follows is the story of Jaz as told by his “Dad”. I hope you enjoy it. In Derek’s words….. One of my friends runs a dog Continue reading…

The idea of a pet brag blog is catching on. As previously stated society gives us plenty of opportunities to brag about our children and grandchildren – but what about “parents” of pets? I am happy to report pet parents are answering that question with submissions about their favorite four-legged companions. Here is the latest Continue reading…

As parents society gives us plenty of opportunities to brag about our children and grandchildren. But what about “parents” of pets? On my near daily walks through the Old Northeast and Beach Drive, I encounter countless dog owners and their four-legged companions. These folks are eager to share their “baby’s” name, tell me its age Continue reading…

I lived in Albany, New York for twenty-five years. One of the city’s most famous icons is a huge, four-ton Nipper the dog on the roof of a building located at 991 Broadway. Nipper (1884–1895), an endearing mixed fox/bull terrier, was born in Bristol, England and served as the model for the painting titled His Continue reading…

Dogs start pulling almost from the time they are born. Their first instinct is to latch on to their mothers and pull. Voila – they get nourishing milk! As puppies grow this behavior escalates to pulling on their littermates’ tails, blankets and anything else they can get their mouths around. It’s the thrill of competition Continue reading…

The ongoing epidemic of Ebola in West Africa has raised several questions about how the disease affects the animal population, and in particular, the risk to household pets. This is important because 62 percent of American households have at least one pet according to a 2012 Humane Society survey. While the available information suggests the Continue reading…